Vacancies and Special Elections: 109th Congress

Publication Date: September 2005

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

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Research Area: Politics

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Abstract:

This report records vacancies in the offices of U.S. Representative and Senator that occur during the 109th Congress. It provides information on the former incumbents, the process by which these vacancies are filled, and the names of Members who fill the vacant seats. There have been three vacancies to date in the 109th Congress, all in the House. One, in the 5th District of California, was caused by the death of the incumbent before the convening of the 109th Congress, to which he had been re-elected. The other two vacancies were caused by the resignation of the incumbent in the 2nd District of Ohio and the 48th District of California. The first vacancy was filled by special election on March 8, 2005. The second vacancy was filled by special election on August 2, 2005. Third vacancy will be filled by a special open primary election on October 4, 2005, and if necessary, by a special general election on December 6, 2005. This report will be updated as events warrant. For additional information, see CRS Report 97-1009, House and Senate Vacancies: How Are They Filled?